As the days get shorter and the temperatures dip, most of us seal our homes tightly in winter to keep warm and cozy. However, this can lead to a significant drop in indoor air quality. When spaces are closed off, pollutants such as dust, mold, and chemicals can accumulate, potentially causing health issues like allergies, asthma, and respiratory infections. So, how can we improve indoor air quality in winter? Read on to learn our 10 cost-effective solutions.
Why Does Indoor Air Quality Get Worse in Winter?
The culprit for poor winter indoor air quality is the sealing we implement, which traps stale air inside and prevents fresh air from getting in. This issue worsens when you turn on the heating system, which recirculates the same air and constantly stirs up dust, mold spores, pet dander, and other pollutants in the room.
If you’re experiencing dry skin, sore eyes, breathing problems, or waking up with a scratchy throat and feeling extra tired, it’s time to consider reducing indoor air pollution.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency warns that poor air quality can aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma and raise risk of pneumonia and other illnesses. Prolonged exposure to these pollutants can even lead to serious health issues like cancer and heart disease.
Additionally, businesses can face significant costs from sick employees and absenteeism. So whether at home or in office, it’s crucial to improve indoor air quality in winter.
Can Plants Improve Indoor Air Quality?
Yes, houseplants can improve indoor air quality. NASA’s studies have found that plants can purify their air in a closed, confined spaces by filtering harmful gases like formaldehyde, also known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs). What’s more, having houseplants such as monstera and rubber trees in the winter can increase air humidity, making the air feel more comfortable.
10 Cost-Effective Ways to Improve Indoor Air Quality in Winter
It’s not ideal to wait until you experience discomfort before taking measures to improve indoor air quality. A better move is to set up an air quality monitor indoors so that when it catches rising pollutants before they become a problem, you can take action to prevent any discomfort. I’ve got 10 easy and budget-friendly tips I use in winter to improve indoor air quality:
- Ventilate Regularly. This is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve indoor air quality in winter. Even just opening your windows for about 5-10 minutes a day can help circulate air and reduce indoor air pollution. And, a little chill can make you feel more refreshed and less groggy. So, dress warmly and let the fresh air in!
- Control Humidity. In winter, the cold air removes moisture from the atmosphere, which can make indoor humidity drop and cause discomfort or illness. To keep your home cozy and the air healthy, it’s best to use a thermo-hygrometer to track indoor humidity and maintain it between 30-50%.
- Deep Clean Your House. Dust that has gathered on surfaces can be floated back into the air when you turn on the heating system. Make sure to vacuum often with a HEPA filter to remove allergens and dust. Also, check air dusts to prevent dust and debris from accumulating and circulating back into your home.
- Maintain Your HVAC System. Heating system can be one of the main causes of poor indoor air quality if it is not properly maintained. By routinely checking filters and replacing them as needed, as well as cleaning your HVAC system, it can operate more efficiently and prevent dust and pollutants from circulating through your vents.
- Use Natural Cleaning Products. Use a strong cleaner that’s free from harmful chemicals can help improve indoor air quality. Alternatively, try a natural solution for removing grease and stains by combining one part baking soda with two parts white vinegar. Plus, carefully inventory the harsh chemicals in your home and store them out of living spaces and in well-ventilated ares.
- Invest in an Air Purifier. Consider investing in an air purifier, which can help clear out dust, allergens, and other pollutants to keep indoor air clean. However, not all air purifiers are created equal, some only capture particulate matter. To effectively get rid of gases, odors, and chemicals, you’ll need an activated carbon filter as well.
- Reduce Pollution Sources. Learning to read product labels is important, especially when it comes to avoiding building and home improvement materials that have formaldehyde in them, like pressed wood, laminate, or even some types of curtains. Whenever you can, opt for natural or eco-friendly cleaning products to keep your home fresh without the harsh chemicals. Also, think twice before lighting candles, as they can increase the level of chemical compounds in enclosed spaces.
- Groom Pets Frequently. If you have furry pets, they shed hair and dander, which can also mess with your indoor air quality. Grooming them regularly can greatly reduce allergens in your living space.
- Grow Houseplants. As mentioned above, growing plants indoors does help improve air quality in your home since they take in carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. That said, their impact isn’t as strong as you might hope, so they should be seen as a helpful addition rather than the main solution.
